The school is among 240 schools nationwide to receive the Yearbook of Excellence Award from Jostens Yearbooks. "The criterion was based on some very strict parameters," Jostens Yearbooks spokesman Matt Felis said in a statement. "This was the first year Jodi Burn was the adviser at River Ridge, and she has done an amazing job." Members of the yearbook staff include Katelyn Brack, Alex Crum, Frank Delgado, Kaity Duffy, Madisen Gloeggler, Brittany Hatchett, Megan Henry, Ashten Jenkins (editor), Donyale Jolliffe, Valeria Lobo, Carrie Lusby, Courtney Martindale, Katelyn McKinnies, Jessica Mlaska, Madeline Parr, Emma Pope, Gage Rhoden, Courtney Sapp, Kayla Sullivan, Addison Trahant and Nini Tran.

Cherokee County School District

Indian Knoll Elementary, May 9

Thomas Brumbeloe, a 5th grader, is the Cherokee County winner of this year's Sons of the American Revolution poster contest. Thomas also placed third in the state-level contest. He received $50 checks for each win, while his teacher, Mollie Guy, earned a certificate of appreciation.

Cherokee County School District

Sequoyah High, May 9

The Air Force Junior ROTC program has been named a Distinguished Unit, meaning the participating students have performed above and beyond normal expectations both in school and in the community. It is the only unit in Cherokee County to earn the distinction, and one of only 26 units in Georgia to do so.

Cherokee County School District

Avery Elementary, May 9

The school recently hosted a special luncheon for more than 100 volunteers who work hard to make the school community so great. Here, 5th grade teacher Sonya Turner (l) eats with PTA vice president Shelly Duff (r), whose daughter Gillian is in Mrs. Turner's class.

Cherokee County School District

Freedom Middle, May 9

The Homeless Pets Club helped the Cherokee County Animal Shelter win a video contest, which netted them $10,000 from Hill's Pet Nutrition.

Cherokee County School District

Little River Elementary, May 9

Members of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce acknowledged Teacher Appreciation Week by bringing a gift bag to school Teacher of the Year Georgia Branson.
(l-r) Chamber member Reid Trego, Georgia Branson, assistant principal Abbey Philpot and Chamber member Kirk Buchholz

The school has organized two events to raise money for the family of Bryson Dickman, a 5th grader with a rare genetic disorder that recently required him to have a kidney transplant. A dodgeball tournament will be held Thursday, May 10 from 1 p.m. to 2:25 p.m. Everyone is invited to participate; admission to the game is by donation. Teachers will also spend the week raising money; whoever collects the most will receive a pie in the face during the tournament. The school is located at 6500 Putnam Ford Drive in Woodstock.

Cherokee County School District

Avery Elementary, May 4

Some 5th grade students participated in a mock trial centered around the story of the Three Little Pigs, which helped them understand the judiciary process.
(l-r) Defense attorneys Kyler Padgett and Mallorie Mitchell, Judge Tony Baker (a real judge for Cherokee County Juvenile Court), and prosecutors Caitlyn Dougherty and Nathan Cain

Cherokee County School District

Macedonia Elementary, May 4

Members of the Beta Club had a busy month -- they planted shrubs and flowers on campus, and sponsored two donation drives to help local organizations, including the Cherokee County Humane Society and the Cherokee County Fire Department. Here, Alysa Miles (l) and Madeline Ruzicka (r) work hard to make the school grounds more beautiful.

Illustrator Michael P. White, who created the art for 'The Library Dragon' by local children's author Carmen Deedy, visited the school to teach students the finer points of drawing. The kids were thrilled to show White their very best artwork.

Cherokee County School District

Avery Elementary, May 4

Students and teachers rallied to raise $10,000 for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.
(l-r) Justin Davidson, Tori Bloom, Amber Davidson, Paige Nash and Wesley Nash

Cherokee County School District

Clayton Elementary, May 4

Students in all grades had a blast at this year's Field Day. Here, 5th graders (l-r) Sierra Blanton, Kate Goodwin, Elisabeth Byess and Daycee Smith are all smiles before participating in the festivities.

Twelve students under the direction of band director Erick Stallings were accepted into this year's 9th District Honor Band: Camila Arango, Luke Cummings, Carter Floyd, Brent Flynn, Marley Gilbert, Nancy Hernandez, Blake Horde, Jesse Huskey, Katie Jenkins, Anabelle Paulino, Maddi Smith and Olivia Webb. Brent, Blake and Olivia were also chosen from among the best middle school musicians in Georgia to participate in the All-State Band.

Student Caleb Blair won first place in the Signing category at the 2012 Optimist Club Deaf and Hard of Hearing Georgia District Contest. Caleb, who is also a frequent starter on the school's basketball team, took home a $2,500 scholarship for his hard work.

Cherokee County School District

Woodstock High, May 3

Several students in the Career and Technical Instruction program placed in their respective categories in a leadership conference at the Rock Eagle 4H Club. "These students worked hard and did an outstanding job," principal Bill Sebring said. "We are very proud of them."
(l-r) Courtney Cheney (2nd place, Team Career Skills), Anthony Bryant (1st place, Drafting and Design), Tony Sinoyiannis (1st place, Video Production) and Maxine Metcalf (2nd place, Team Career Skills)

Cherokee County School District

Macedonia Elementary, May 3

Twenty-six very talented students competed in the first-ever PTA talent show, including 1st grader Jack Landreth, who wowed his classmates by playing Michael Jackson's 'Beat It' on the guitar.

Cherokee County School District

Indian Knoll Elementary, May 1

The school is one of three Cherokee County schools to win $1,000 from 11Alive, courtesy of the NBC News Education Nation initiative. Principal Ann Gazell says the money will directly benefit students through academic and other initiatives.

Cherokee County School District

Indian Knoll Elementary, May 1

Students wave to the 11Alive camera as they celebrate winning $1,000 through the NBC News Education Nation movement.

Cherokee County School District

Little River Elementary, Apr. 30

The school is one of five metro Atlanta schools to win $1,000 from 11Alive through the NBC News Education Nation initiative. Students and staff members were part of a live broadcast of 11Alive News Today. Principal Christian Kirby says he plans to put the money toward the school's Budding Gardeners program, which beautifies the campus.
(l-r) Christian Kirby, Master Gardeners Nancy Joyner and Laura Johnson, and 11Alive education reporter Donna Lowry

Cherokee County School District

Arnold Mill Elementary, Apr. 30

Kindergarten paraprofessional Patti Eisenhauer (r) is the May Staff Member of the Month. Her colleagues nominated her for the honor because she is always willing to go the extra mile. "She works well with her cooperating teachers and students. She is a conscientious employee who loves her job!" principal Kerry Martin (l) said before presenting Eisenhauer with her prize: a $25 gift card to BJ's Wholesale Club.

Representatives from WellStar taught 3rd graders about water safety. Here, student Alex Cudabac tries on a life vest.

Cherokee County School District

Arnold Mill Elementary, Apr. 30

The school held an Egg Drop to raise money for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. Students purchased brightly colored eggs that principal Kerry Martin and assistant principal Kim Montalbano dropped from the school's roof to a target on the ground below. The students whose eggs came closest to hitting the target won prizes. The Egg Drop raised more than $5,500 for Relay for Life.

Cherokee County School District

Sequoyah High, Apr. 30

More than 100 students participated in National DNA Day, where they learned all about genetics and genomes. Here, Kyle Crouse shows off a model she built to reflect the DNA changes that cause hemophilia.

Cherokee County School District

Chapman Intermediate, Apr. 30

The cafeteria's 'Nutrition in the Palm of Your Hand' campaign encouraged students to eat a healthy breakfast at school every day during the CRCT. Those who did were entered into a drawing to win an iPod; 5th grader Gerardo Galindo's name was chosen. Congratulating Gerardo are principal Susan McCarthy, assistant principal Carolyn Daugherty, assistant principal Dan Fuller, food service manager Annette Tortorello and cafeteria staff members Gail Inskeep, Cathy Avery, Dianne West, Helen Tran, Nko Akpan, Kathy Sievert and Teri King.

Cherokee County School District

Creekland Middle, Apr. 26

The Academic Bowl team won 7th place in the Middle School National Championship Tournament in Chicago. Team member Garrett Johnston also placed 6th individually. "This is a remarkable accomplishment, as [the team] competed with thousands of the smartest students from around the country," principal Dr. Deborah Wiseman said.
(l-r) Kelly Hart, Andrew Jones, Garrett Johnston, Lukas Freeman, Grant Foster, Bryce Goodwyn and coach John Carter

Cherokee County School District

Arnold Mill Elementary, Apr. 26

Debbie Baluch (r), a 3rd grade teacher and team leader, is the April Staff Member of the Month. Her peers nominated her for the honor because she is an exemplary leader and a hard worker. Principal Kerry Martin (l) presented her with her prize: a $25 gift card.

The brand new Chess Club recently held a dynamic game of human chess, where 4th grader Abbie Smith and 5th grader Perry Rocafort moved their classmates across an enormous board. In the end, Abbie and her team emerged victorious.

Cherokee County School District

Arnold Mill Elementary, Apr. 26

The April/May Students of the Month were recognized for being leaders, displaying exemplary work ethic and acting as positive role models to their classmates. Each student will get the chance to lead the Pledge of Allegiance on the morning announcements.
FRONT ROW: (l-r) Dania Pacheco-Lopez (1st), Rachel Blanchard (kindergarten) and Daniel Sahlberg (2nd)
BACK ROW: (l-r) Sy Nguyen (5th), principal Kerry Martin, Jamila Reeves-Miller (4th) and Donovan Helfrick (3rd)

Cherokee County School District

Little River Elementary, Apr. 26

Children's author Judy Cayce read 'Miss Milli's Adventures,' a book she co-authored, to students. She also donated copies of the book to the media center and two kindergarten classes. Here, principal Christian Kirby thanks Cayce for visiting.

Cherokee County School District

Mountain Road Elementary, Apr. 26

Cafeteria manager Tonya Slease Cannon won first place for the Roasted Vegetable Side Dish category in the 2012 Georgia School Nutrition Association's State Culinary Arts Competition.

Cherokee County School District

Macedonia Elementary, Apr. 26

PTA member Mignon Ingram helped the school win a $4,400 beautification grant from Lowe's. Several parents and students came together on Earth Day to spread pine straw, mulch, plants, trees and shrubs across camps. Here, parent Bob Synowicki pushes a cart filled with mulch and students Isaac Howard, Isabelle Howard, Riane Ingram, Alec Synowicki and Abigail Howard.

Cherokee County School District

Canton Elementary, Apr. 20

Athletic footwear designer D'Wayne Edwards spoke to 6th grade students via Skype, telling them about the many different ways they can pursue careers in the professional sports industry. Here, student Harmony Fannin holds a model shoe inspired by Edwards' talk.

Cherokee County School District

Sequoyah High, Apr. 18

Two students advanced to the National PTA Reflections Competition after winning their respective categories at the state level. Senior Racquel Charles came in first in the dance/choreography category, and sophomore Rebecca Milner won for photography. Senior Katherine Delgado also placed at the state level, coming in second in visual arts.
(l-r) Rebecca Milner, Katherine Delgado and Racquel Charles

A team of students placed first in the 2012 Kennesaw State University Invitational Geography Bowl.
(l-r) Mandi Stinson, Hannah Weeg, Phillip Aalfs, Molly Herring, Felicia Williams and Alan Tomusiak

Cherokee County School District

Boston Elementary, Apr. 16

Jayme Blosser, an Etowah High alumna who now plays volleyball for Tennessee Wesleyan University, spoke with Saturday School students about her struggles in the classroom and how she worked hard to persevere and become a college student-athlete. She encouraged the young students to do the same.
(l-r) Danielle Mucheke, Jayme Blosser, Juanita Robles and Tyriq Bishop

Three students placed in this year's Cherokee County Elementary Art Show. (l-r) Grant Hoffman (2nd) took home the top prize, Helen Marie Goodwin (4th) placed second and Xochitl Arellano (6th) came in third.

In order to prepare for the CRCT, students in grades 3-5 participated in a 'Rock the Test!' assembly, where they watched skits and sang songs about the standardized test.
(l-r) Vanessa Martinez, Austin McIntyre, Eniko Steele and Ben Conklin

Kindergarten teacher Ashley Watson had an article published in the March/April 2012 edition of 'Principal' magazine. "We are very proud of Ashley for this accomplishment and for the excellence she brings to the classroom in working with our students," principal Gwen Lince said.

Cherokee County School District

River Ridge High, Apr. 13

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jonathan Dwyer talked to the weight training class about his life as an NFL star. He is a graduate of Kell High School in Marietta. "Make your mark. Write your own destiny," he told students.

Cherokee County School District

Chapman Intermediate, Apr. 13

Piper Marcotte is the 5th grade winner of the 2012 Cherokee County Young Authors' Fair. Her prize included a special journal to record her future writings.

Cherokee County School District

Boston Elementary, Apr. 13

Technology Night gave parents an opportunity to learn about all the great technology their children use in school on a daily basis. Here, Robby Walter, father of 2nd grade student Sarah Walter, tries out a Promethean ActivBoard.

Every student who ate breakfast in the cafeteria during National School Breakfast Week was entered into a drawing to win an iPod Nano. Cafeteria manager Cindy Byram (l) presented winner Emma Czarnecki (r) with her prize.

Cherokee County School District

Sequoyah High, Apr. 11

Senior Creigh Chandler is one of only 10 Georgia students to win the Naismith Award, which is given to student-athletes who demonstrate 'Competence, Confidence, Connections and Courage to Flourish' in all aspects of their lives. The award comes with a $1,000 scholarship.

Cherokee County School District

Creekview High, Apr. 11

Three young women took home the top prize in the 2012 State Literary Meet, after placing second in the Regional Literary Meet.
(l-r) Abigail Sherrod, Rachel McFarland and Emilie Kundycki

Cherokee County School District

Macedonia Elementary, Apr. 11

The school drama club recently staged an adaptation of 'Anne of Green Gables.' "The audience was delighted by the raw talent of the young actors at Macedonia, some of whom showcased both acting and singing skills," principal Tammy Castleberry said. Here, 'Matthew' (Alex Hruby, left) and 'Young Anne' (Lily Schubert, right) act out a scene.

Cherokee County School District

Freedom Middle, Apr. 11

Student Juliana Damico dominated this year's Georgia Science & Engineering Fair. Her awards include first place in the plant sciences category, best in category for plant sciences, the Agronomics Award-Junior Division from the University of Georgia Crop & Soil Sciences Department, and the Broadcom MASTERS Award for Outstanding Performance at an SSP-Affiliated Fair.

Cherokee County School District

Johnston Elementary, Apr. 11

Emily Irvin, a 3rd grader, was recognized for earning 60 Accelerated Reader points. AR is a program that encourages students to read by personalizing the reading experience for each child.
(l-r) Principal Kathleen Chandler, Emily Irvin and assistant principal Jennifer Landry

Cherokee County School District

Oak Grove Elementary, Mar. 30

Students, their parents and staff members took some time out of their Saturday to clean up the school grounds in preparation for the 'A Night in the Garden' art exhibition and variety show.
FRONT ROW: (l-r) Brock Garland, Phoenix Bushey, Evan Stowe and Nathalie Whitehead-Nudd
MIDDLE ROW: (l-r) Cole Scott, Trent Donehoo, Taylor Gayton and William Monterroso
BACK ROW: (l-r) Kain Watson, Anna Haughey and Brooke Dawdy

The March Students of the Month were recognized for being friendly, being leaders and working hard in the classroom. "Congratulations to these six children for their accomplishments and display of great citizenship," principal Kerry Martin said.
FRONT ROW: (l-r) Emily Morton (4th), Dianna Karwoski (2nd), Edgar Ramirez-Menchaca (kindergarten) and Chloe Campbell (1st)
BACK ROW: (l-r) Assistant principal Kim Montalbano, Elian Torrejon (3rd) and Abigail Gutermann (5th)

Cherokee County School District

River Ridge High, Mar. 29

Tom Leveen, author of the young adult novels 'Party' and 'Zero,' visited the school to speak about becoming an author and encourage students to follow their passions. About 75 percent of the student body attended his talk.
FRONT ROW: (l-r) Zoe Moore and Lauren Diss
BACK ROW: (l-r) Brittaney Carpenter, Gabrielle Reynolds, Tom Leveen, Dennisah Francis, Liza Jamison, Heather Wiley, Meghann Colon and Alyssa McCollum

Lucas Knecht and Cori Dulmage were named the 2012 Prom King and Queen. This year's prom was held at the Retreat at Perimeter Summit in Atlanta.

Cherokee County School District

Oak Grove Elementary, Mar. 27

MaryAnn Wingfield, a retired educator, read 'Dancing on Grapes' to students on Read Across America Day. She also donated a copy of the historical picture book to the school media center.
(l-r) Denise Perlacky, Wingfield's frind; MaryAnn Wingfield and school media specialist Shirley Baker

Cherokee County School District

Knox Elementary, Mar. 27

Four pairs of students placed in the 2012 Cherokee County Elementary Science Olympiad. Andy Volz and Michael Page came in first for their project, 'Simple Machines.' Dalian Mancuso and Christian Ariano also took home a first-place win with 'Paper Rockets.' The other two teams won third-place prizes -- Jed Colburn and Jacob Richardson for 'Starry Starry Night,' and Matt Page and Hudson Harper for 'Large Number Estimation.'
FRONT ROW: (l-r) Jed Colburn, Jacob Richardson, Matt Page and Hudson Harper
BACK ROW: (l-r) Andy Volz, Michael Page, teacher Christy Furnish, Dalian Mancuso and Christian Ariano

The school library used the popular 'Hunger Games' books and movie to inspire lessons and activities. Cinna's Challenge, named for one of the franchise's characters, asked students to dress 'tributes' to represent their respective districts. District 13 residents (l-r) Katie Brown, Tolu Babalola, Miranda Lemal, Kaitlyn Andraschko and Courtney Couey made a costume highlighting their district's specialty: nuclear power.

Cherokee County School District

Arnold Mill Elementary, Mar. 26

School bookkeeper Staci Kelley (r) is the March Staff Member of the Month. "Staci is a valued member of the staff and represents the school with pride," principal Kerry Martin (l) said. Kelley received a $25 gift card from Walmart in recognition of the honor.

Cherokee County School District

Clayton Elementary, Mar. 26

Once again, the Cougars placed at the state level in the Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl, a contest that encourages Georgia students to read and then compete in an academic bowl-style event where they answer questions on certain books. The team came in second at this year's competition.
FRONT ROW: (l-r) Jalen Austin, Alli Cox and Liberty Reilly
BACK ROW: (l-r) Elisabeth Byess, Haley McCrink, Joshua Lockhart, Jonathan Bradley, James Perdue, Zack Vickers, Cooper Phelps, Eli Weatherby and the one and only Helen Ruffin

Cherokee County School District

Oak Grove Elementary, Mar. 23

Many students, including 3rd grader Tori Cofield (pictured), participated in the annual Jump Rope for Heart event, which raises money for the American Heart Association. Altogether, students raised $2,600 through their jumping. "With the obesity epidemic that is impacting so many of America's youth, it is critical that we keep our students informed about how to care for their bodies," PE teacher Barry Dalton said; physical education courses at the school emphasize healthy eating habits, caring for one's body and giving of one's time and talents to the community.

The school honored its students' supportive and hardworking parents with two special breakfast events: Donuts for Dad and Muffins for Mom. Marsha Dean and her daughter Lindsay enjoyed Muffins for Mom (l), while Jorge Tangarife and his daughter Valentina had a blast at Donuts for Dad (r).

Five budding engineers and programmers placed in several technology events held throughout the state. Joshua Chang, Joshua Eppinette and Ed Shields came in first in the Systems Control Technology competition, while Chang, Shields and Kyle Beard placed third in the Technology Bowl, and Andrew Dameron came in second in Georgia Tech's Alice Individual Movie competition.
(l-r) Andrew Dameron, Joshua Chang, Ed Shields, Joshua Eppinette and Kyle Beard

Cherokee County School District

Mountain Road Elementary, Mar. 22

Chef Justin Balmes, who teaches at the Art Institute of Atlanta and competed on the reality show "Food Network Star," visited the school to help students recognize Health and Nutrition Week.
(l-r) Caroline Bagwell, PTA member Angela Phillips, Maddy Flower, Justin Balmes, PTA member Jody Burns, Ethan Keeney, Ryan Burns and Joey Canale

Cherokee County School District

Knox Elementary, Mar. 21

Students Jason Mancuso (l) and Jordan Ariano (r) placed second in the Northwest Georgia Regional Science and Engineering Fair.

Cherokee County School District

Johnston Elementary, Mar. 21

Two students won at their grade levels in the 2012 Cherokee County School District Young Authors' Writing Fair. They will now move on to the regional level of the competition. Entries were judged in four categories: ideas, style, organization and conventions.
(l-r) Winner Sarah Frasier (2nd), principal Kathleen Chandler and winner Kate Klucsarits (1st)

Cherokee County School District

Knox Elementary, Mar. 21

Lexie Allen, a 3rd grader, won first place in the Cherokee County School District Young Authors' Fair with her short story, 'The Best Trip Ever,' which now advances to the regional competition.

Cherokee County School District

Arnold Mill Elementary, Mar. 21

Pat Long performed a wonderful random act of kindness for the school. After purchasing books for her grandson Jesse Long (3rd) and niece Ansley Priddy (2nd), Long gave a $100 check to principal Kerry Martin and told her spend it on help for the school's less fortunate children. In return, Long simply asked that other members of the community follow her example and do good for others.
(l-r) Carol Trusty, Long's sister; Ansley Priddy; Pat Long; Jesse Long and Kerry Martin

Two 6th graders placed in the Cherokee County Farm Bureau Essay Contest. Matthew Hager (l) won the $40 second-place prize, while Cameron Collier (r) took home the $50 top prize.

Cherokee County School District

River Ridge High, Mar. 20

Jeff Bennett has been named the 2012 Cherokee County Counselor of the Year. He will now compete to become the 2012 Georgia Counselor of the Year. "I come to school every day because I love what I do. It's all because of you," Bennett (l) told his students upon receiving the award from Cherokee County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Frank Petruzielo (r). "I appreciate this award ... but I do it all for you."

Cherokee County School District

Creekland Middle, Mar. 20

Advanced Social Studies and Language Arts teacher Lindsay Bowley (r) engaged her students in a creative project to teach them about life in the Jim Crow era. One of those students, Kirsty Houston (l), wrote a poem called 'The Inequitable Dead' -- the 8th grader is known for her writing skills, has already won several competitions and represents her class in this year's Young Authors' Fair.